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Killer of mother-of-two in Maida Vale had breached stalking prevention order, inquest hears

A man who killed his former partner in Maida Vale last week was wanted by police for breaching a stalking prevention order, an inquest has heard.

Yasmin Chkaifi, 43, died after being stabbed multiple times by Leon McCaskie, 38, in Chippenham Road at around 9am on January 24, Westminster Coroner’s Court was told.

The court also heard that McCaskie was killed after being hit by a car driven by a member of the public trying to stop the attack.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson told the court that the two had been in a relationship that had ended several years ago.

He said: “There were allegations of domestic abuse, and a stalking prevention order had been put in place against Leon.

“Leon had been arrested and charged for breaching this order, but failed to appear for his first hearing at court. 

“A warrant was issued for his arrest on January 4, 2022.”

Ms Chkaifi’s cause of death was multiple stab wounds.

In a separate inquest, the court heard that the cause of McCaskie’s death was multiple injuries.

Yasmin Chfaiki

DCI Rawlinson said: “The two parties lived very close to one another in the Maida Vale area. 

“On Monday, January 24, 2022 at about 9am, Leon accosted Yasmin in the street, and repeatedly stabbed her with a knife.

“A member of the public in a passing car saw this and used his vehicle to drive into Leon in an attempt to stop the assault. Both Leon and Yasmin were declared deceased at the scene.

“An investigation has been taking place with me as the senior investigating officer. We have secured CCTV footage of the incident and obtained statements from several eyewitnesses who told us what they saw.

“We do continue to make efforts to get statements from other potential witnesses whose details we have.”

He also confirmed that police action between January 4 and 24 is currently subject to an independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Senior coroner for inner West London Professor Fiona Wilcox told Ms Chfaiki’s family, who were watching via videolink: “It is a truly shocking and distressing death, and I cannot imagine what you must be going through as a family at this time.”

The 26-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested but has been released with no further police action.

DCI Rawlinson said: “Having reviewed the CCTV evidence and taken statements of numerous members of the public and attending officers, as well as reviewing the legal position regarding self-defence and defence of another, a decision has been taken that the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man will face no further police action.

“He is considered a vital witness to our investigation and will be offered support from professionals to help him come to terms with the terrifying situation he was confronted with.”

The inquests have been adjourned until July 25.

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